Chemical PeelsPRX and FACTORFIVE: Choosing the Right Low-Downtime Peel for Your Skin
Looking for smoother, brighter skin without the obvious peeling? Modern peel alternatives are changing the game—delivering real results with little to no downtime, so your skin can glow without putting life on pause.
Chemical peels have long been regarded as effective exfoliation treatments that rejuvenate and restore the skin in as little as an hour-long session. While they can deliver transformative results, they do come with drawbacks, most notably the extensive shedding and peeling that can last for days or even weeks. For many, that recovery period makes traditional peels hard to fit into real life. The good news is that you no longer have to choose between visible results and downtime. With newer, low-downtime options like PRX and FACTORFIVE RDS, it’s possible to improve tone, texture, and overall skin quality with minimal disruption to your routine. Read on to learn how these treatments work and which peel alternative may be right for you.
What is a chemical peel and how does it work?
A chemical peel is a professional skin resurfacing treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the face to exfoliate the skin and encourage cellular renewal. By loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, the peel helps damaged layers shed to reveal fresher, smoother skin beneath. Depending on the strength of the peel, it can help even out skin tone, calm breakouts, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and texture irregularities.
What is a “no-downtime” chemical peel?
A no-downtime chemical peel is a less intensive type of peel without visible peeling or extended recovery time. Some no-downtime peels work on the outermost layer of the skin using low-strength acids to gently improve tone, texture, and clarity, while others focus on stimulating renewal beneath the surface without disrupting the skin barrier. Because these peel alternatives are formulated to be gentler, results are typically more subtle and often build with a series of sessions, allowing patients to return to daily activities immediately after treatment.
Can you get peel results without actually peeling?
Yes, it is possible to see noticeable improvements from a chemical peel without obvious peeling. Some no-downtime peels encourage very mild, controlled surface-level renewal that may result in minimal or imperceptible shedding, while others stimulate renewal beneath the surface without disrupting the skin barrier. Rather than causing visible flaking or sheets of peeling skin, these treatments support gradual improvements in brightness, texture, and clarity over time. With consistent treatments, skin can appear smoother, more even, and refreshed without the recovery typically associated with deeper peels.
What is the PRX treatment?
Often referred to as the “no-peel peel,” PRX-T33 by WiQo is a skin revitalization treatment that works beneath the surface of the skin without causing visible exfoliation. It combines trichloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and kojic acid to stimulate collagen production and improve tone, firmness, and texture while preserving the outer layer of the skin. Because PRX is not supposed to cause excessive peeling or flaking, it is considered to have no downtime. That being said, some people have reported mild skin shedding.
What does PRX treat?
PRX is designed to address a range of common skin concerns; it can help improve texture from shallow acne scarring, soften the appearance of fine lines, enhance firmness, and even out skin tone from mild hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. However, it is not intended to treat deep wrinkles, advanced skin laxity, significant volume loss, or severe scarring. For more pronounced concerns, it is best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.
How many PRX sessions do you need?
As with all treatments, the number of PRX sessions needed depends on individual skin concerns and goals. According to AEDIT founder and board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Kennedy, most patients achieve optimal results with a series of three to five PRX treatments, typically spaced about one week apart. Results last several months, and Dr. Kennedy recommends follow-up maintenance treatments every three to six months as part of an ongoing skincare or anti-aging regimen.
Is PRX safe for darker skin tones?
When it comes to darker skin tones, many providers actually prefer PRX over traditional chemical peels because PRX is less likely to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By stimulating renewal and collagen production below the surface, PRX delivers corrective results while preserving the outer layer of the skin. As with any treatment, proper provider selection and aftercare are important, but PRX is widely considered well-tolerated for a broad range of skin tones.
What is the FACTORFIVE RDS treatment?
The Renew Dermal Solution (RDS) by FACTORFIVE is a professional skin treatment that focuses on cellular repair and rejuvenation rather than exfoliation. It uses human-derived growth factors to support the skin’s natural healing processes to help improve skin tone, texture, and quality. Unlike traditional chemical peels, FACTORFIVE RDS does not rely on acids to resurface the skin and does not cause visible peeling or downtime. Instead, it works at a cellular level to promote regeneration, making it a gentle option for patients seeking skin renewal, hydration, and a more balanced, healthy-looking complexion.
What are growth factors and how do they support skin renewal?
Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that play a key role in cell communication and repair within the skin. They signal skin cells to regenerate, produce collagen, and strengthen the skin barrier, supporting healthier, more resilient skin over time. As we age, the body produces fewer growth factors, which can slow cellular turnover and repair. When applied topically through professional treatments, like FACTORFIVE RDS, growth factors help support the skin’s natural renewal process, improving texture, tone, and overall skin quality without triggering inflammation or visible exfoliation.
What does FACTORFIVE RDS treat?
FACTORFIVE RDS is designed to support overall skin health by improving texture, tone, hydration, and resilience. It can help soften the appearance of fine lines, strengthen the skin barrier, and enhance skin clarity by supporting cellular repair and regeneration. Because it focuses on healing rather than resurfacing, it is especially well-suited for sensitive or compromised skin. However, FACTORFIVE RDS is not intended to treat deep wrinkles, significant laxity, severe acne scarring, or pronounced hyperpigmentation. It does not replace resurfacing treatments or injectables and is best used as a restorative or complementary treatment within a broader skin care plan.
How many sessions are recommended for FACTORFIVE RDS?
For optimal results, most patients need a series of treatments. According to Dr. Kennedy, a typical FactorFive treatment plan includes 3–5 sessions spaced about one week to 10 days apart, with maintenance treatments typically once a month to support ongoing skin rejuvenation and anti-aging results. As always, the exact number and frequency of sessions will depend on the individual’s skin goals and concerns. To get a better sense of what your treatment plan would look like, Dr. Kennedy recommends scheduling a consultation with a trained professional ahead of time.
PRX vs. traditional chemical peel: what’s the difference?
PRX and traditional chemical peels differ in both acid strength and how they interact with the skin. Traditional chemical peels rely on varying concentrations of acids to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, with stronger formulas penetrating deeper and often causing visible peeling and downtime. PRX uses a specific, controlled acid formulation designed to work beneath the surface without breaking down the outer layer of the skin. Rather than resurfacing through exfoliation, PRX stimulates collagen production and renewal internally, delivering more gradual results with little to no downtime.
PRX vs. FACTORFIVE: which is better for glow? for texture? for pigment?
PRX and FACTORFIVE address glow, texture, and pigment in different ways. Dr. Kennedy explains, “PRX is often the better choice for patients seeking immediate radiance, improved texture, and firmer-looking skin with no downtime. FACTORFIVE, on the other hand, is more targeted toward pigment concerns, uneven tone, and longer-term skin regeneration, making it ideal for patients looking for more corrective, cumulative results.”
Which peel is best before an event?
For a pre-event peel, an option like PRX is often ideal because it has minimal downtime. It helps improve skin tone and texture without the visible peeling typically associated with stronger chemical peels. That said, some people may experience mild dryness or light peeling after PRX, especially with their first treatment. For that reason, it is best to schedule PRX a few days in advance rather than the day before an event.
What’s the best peel with no downtime?
When it comes to no-downtime peels, PRX and FACTORFIVE are two popular options, each with distinct benefits. “PRX and FACTORFIVE are both effective treatments, but they serve different goals,” says Dr. Kennedy. “PRX is a better option for patients looking for immediate radiance, smoother texture, and firmer-appearing skin with little to no downtime. Because it does not exfoliate the skin, however, PRX may be less effective for treating more significant pigmentation issues, sun damage, or acne scarring, and results typically require ongoing maintenance to sustain.”
“FACTORFIVE, on the other hand, is better suited for patients focused on correcting uneven tone, pigment concerns, and overall skin regeneration over time. While it can deliver more corrective, cumulative results, FACTORFIVE generally works more gradually and may involve mild peeling, temporary redness, or short downtime, which may not be ideal for patients seeking immediate results or zero recovery.”
Who shouldn’t get a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with active skin infections, open wounds, or severe irritation should avoid peels until the skin has fully healed. Those with certain skin conditions, such as uncontrolled eczema, rosacea flares, or a history of poor wound healing, may not be good candidates. People who are pregnant, using isotretinoin, or have recently undergone aggressive skin treatments should also proceed with caution. Additionally, anyone prone to severe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring should consult a qualified provider before treatment to determine the safest and most appropriate option for their skin.
How do you prep your skin for a peel?
In the weeks leading up to a peel, sometimes providers recommend pausing retinoids, exfoliants, and other active ingredients that can increase skin sensitivity. Sun protection is essential, as sun exposure can compromise the skin barrier and raise the risk of pigment changes. Lastly, keeping the skin well hydrated and avoiding waxing or aggressive treatments before your appointment can also help.
What should you avoid after a peel?
Since the skin is more sensitive and needs time to recover, you’ll want to follow proper chemical peel aftercare. Active ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C should be avoided until the skin has fully calmed. Sun exposure should be minimized, with diligent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin and prevent pigment changes. It is also best to avoid intense workouts, heat, steam rooms, and saunas for several days, as excess heat and sweating can increase irritation. Gentle cleansing, hydration, and barrier-supporting products help support healing and optimize results.
Can you wear makeup after PRX or FACTORFIVE?
After FACTORFIVE, it’s typically safe to apply makeup the same day since the treatment does not disrupt the skin barrier. With PRX, on the other hand, many providers recommend waiting at least 24 hours before applying makeup to reduce the risk of irritation. When you do resume makeup, opt for gentle, non-comedogenic formulas and avoid heavy application if the skin feels sensitive.
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